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It's the subtle fade, where the star illuminates first and then the surrounding bits come on.
I've never noticed this on my 2025 but I rarely walk up from behind when unlocking the car. Sounds like a software feature so maybe they are changing the tail lights to no longer have this ability even if the software supports it.
I've never noticed this on my 2025 but I rarely walk up from behind when unlocking the car. Sounds like a software feature so maybe they are changing the tail lights to no longer have this ability even if the software supports it.
That seems likely. They can switch to non-dimming LEDs and a corresponding board/driver that doesn't need to adjust voltage. It's probably saving a few Euros per car, but in volume, that adds up, I guess.
I've never noticed this on my 2025 but I rarely walk up from behind when unlocking the car. Sounds like a software feature so maybe they are changing the tail lights to no longer have this ability even if the software supports it.
Originally Posted by wdimagineer
That seems likely. They can switch to non-dimming LEDs and a corresponding board/driver that doesn't need to adjust voltage. It's probably saving a few Euros per car, but in volume, that adds up, I guess.
This is possible, another reason, if it is the same as the C238 coupe you need the fully loaded headlight, yes it is software but MB did that to distinguish it for the taillight, in the case of the C238, it was ILS being required, W214 might need digital lights.
This is possible, another reason, if it is the same as the C238 coupe you need the fully loaded headlight, yes it is software but MB did that to distinguish it for the taillight, in the case of the C238, it was ILS being required, W214 might need digital lights.
This is the Audi approach, typically. You have 2-3 versions of taillight on a model, with a base that does nothing, a mid/high that might have animation and dynamic indicators, and on some models, the ultra high-end OLED versions. All are generally tied to the headlight choice, with the more elaborate versions being unlocked by the most expensive headlight option.
MB could do something similar. No animation with the base reflector headlight (which in 2025 is gross) and animation available with DIGITAL LIGHT. Of course, I don't actually know. And US production might also be different.
Last edited by wdimagineer; Nov 1, 2025 at 12:04 PM.
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